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Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet: Your New Weeknight Favorite!

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a comforting and hearty dish combining bell peppers, ground beef, and tomato sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Skillet
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Can be swapped with vegetable oil
  • 1 large Onion (chopped) Yellow or sweet onions work well
  • 1 medium Green bell pepper (chopped) Substitute with zucchini for a lower-carb option
  • 1 medium Red bell pepper (chopped) Any other color bell pepper can be used
  • 1 pound Ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken) Adds heartiness
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Fresh garlic is a good alternative
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano Thyme can be a suitable substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Dried basil Use fresh basil for a vibrant alternative
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional) Omit for a milder dish
  • 1 28-ounce can Crushed tomatoes Diced tomatoes can be used for a chunkier texture
  • 1 15-ounce can Tomato sauce Feel free to use homemade sauce
  • 1 cup Cooked rice Swap for brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist
  • 0.5 cup Beef broth (or chicken broth) Vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version
  • 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella) Any good melting cheese can substitute
  • to taste Salt and pepper Essential to enhance flavor
  • for garnish Fresh parsley (chopped) Optional, but makes a lovely finishing touch

Equipment

  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
  1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour in about two tablespoons of olive oil. Allow it to heat for a minute until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until soft and the onion is translucent.
  3. Brown the Meat: Push vegetables aside and add ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Cook for about 7 to 10 minutes, breaking up the meat as it browns.
  4. Drain Grease: Carefully drain excess grease from the skillet and stir the meat into the vegetables.
  5. Season Mixture: Sprinkle in garlic powder, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional minute.
  6. Add Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, stir well, and let simmer gently for about 2 minutes.
  7. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover skillet, and let it simmer for 15 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Stir in Rice and Broth: Stir in cooked rice and broth. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  9. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the skillet mixture.
  10. Melt Cheese: Cover and let it melt on low heat for 3 to 5 minutes, or broil for 1 to 2 minutes.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Once melted, sprinkle parsley on top and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze portions for longer storage up to 2 months.

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